Mike Skinner – XM Radio/Toyota Tundra Racing Post Race Report
Race: Missouri/Illinois Dodge Dealers Ram Tough 200 (Race 17 of 25)
Track: Gateway International Raceway Date: Saturday, Sept. 1, 2007

Started: First - Finished: 28th - Laps Completed: 95
Total Laps: 160 - NCTS Points: Second

Mike Skinner headed to Gateway International Raceway as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship points leader, and he was determined to leave Gateway as the leader. After experiencing some bad luck at Gateway in the past, Skinner was ready to tackle the 1.25 mile track.

Skinner’s No. 5 XM Radio Toyota Tundra ran strong in both practice sessions Friday, and he topped the speed chart late in the day. Skinner’s blistering speed continued Saturday during qualifying, as he posted a lap of 33.909 seconds. Despite an early draw of 10th, Skinner won his first pole position at Gateway and his ninth pole of the season.

As he led the 36-truck field to the green flag Saturday night, Skinner again showed his dominance in the series. It seemed as if Skinner would be the dominant force he has been all year long after he led the first 31 laps of the 160-lap event.

However, the long green flag run took its toll on the XM Radio Tundra’s tires. Skinner remained within the top three before disaster struck on lap 56. The right front tire blew on the No. 5 truck, sending the machine careening into the wall. The truck was taken to the garage area for extensive repairs.

The team worked diligently and quickly to repair the truck. Skinner returned to the track on lap 118 in an attempt to gain as many points as possible. He completed the race but finished 28th. He also lost the points lead by four points.

Skinner and the rest of the Craftsman Truck Series drivers head to [Loudon] New Hampshire International Speedway in two weeks. The race will be televised live on SPEED Saturday, Sept. 15.